An information retrieving apparatus for retrieving predetermined information according to an input of text information, including an input operation section which selects characters from a defined predetermined character list and performs input instructions, a display section which displays the character list, and input characters which have been instructed by the input operation section, a candidate definition processing section 10, and a candidate display processing section 10. The candidate definition processing section 10 retrieves input candidates containing the input instructed characters, and extracts candidate characters, and temporarily allocates the candidate characters to display areas 29 in the display section 15 of characters that do not match the candidate characters, so that they can be selected using the input operation section. The candidate display processing section 10 displays the characters in the display areas, allocated by the candidate definition processing section in the display section, differentiating selectable characters.